Work Shoe

ABSTRACT

A work shoe, in particular a safety shoe, includes at least one passive protection unit which is intended to passively protect a shoe wearer at least against mechanical and/or electrical loads, and includes at least one active protection unit which has at least one sensor unit which is intended to detect at least one characteristic variable at least in order to enable a protection function and/or a comfort function. The sensor unit is configured at least for detecting at least one person-related characteristic variable and/or at least one environmental characteristic variable.

PRIOR ART

Document KR 2002 0061662 A1 already makes known a work shoe, inparticular a safety shoe, having a passive protective unit which isprovided for passively protecting a shoe wearer at least againstmechanical and/or electrical loads, and having an active protective unitwhich has a sensor unit which is provided for detecting a characteristicvariable at least in order to enable a protective function and/or acomfort function. In this case, the sensor unit is provided fordetecting a load characteristic variable of a safety toecap element ofthe work shoe in order to enable an overload protection function.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a work shoe, in particular a safety shoe,having at least one passive protective unit which is provided forpassively protecting a shoe wearer at least against mechanical and/orelectrical loads, and having at least one active protective unit whichhas at least one sensor unit which is provided for detecting at leastone characteristic variable at least in order to enable a protectivefunction and/or a comfort function.

It is proposed that the sensor unit is provided at least for detectingat least one person-related characteristic variable and/or at least oneenvironmental characteristic variable. In this case, a “person-relatedcharacteristic variable” is intended to be understood to mean, inparticular, a characteristic variable which defines at least one vitalvalue of a shoe wearer of the work shoe and/or which is dependent on abehavior of a shoe wearer of the work shoe, such as, for example, adirection and/or a location of a force effect of a shoe wearer onto thework shoe. The person-related characteristic variable can be designed,in this case, as a user-specific work shoe load type, in particular asole load type of the work shoe, as a support load, such as, forexample, a noise impact and/or a vibration load, as a pulse of a shoewearer of the work shoe, as a body temperature of a shoe wearer of thework shoe, as a tiredness characteristic variable of a shoe wearer ofthe work shoe, as a support orientation characteristic variable, as ashoe movement characteristic variable, or as another person-relatedcharacteristic variable which appears reasonable to a person skilled inthe art. In this case, an “environmental characteristic variable” isintended to be understood to mean, in particular, a characteristicvariable which defines an environment surrounding the work shoe. In thiscase, the environmental characteristic variable can be in the form ofambient pressure, ambient temperature, ambient noise level, an ambientgas characteristic variable, an ambient voltage characteristic variable,an ambient humidity characteristic variable, an ambient acid and/orambient base characteristic variable, or as another environmentalcharacteristic variable which appears reasonable to a person skilled inthe art.

In this case, the term “safety shoe” is intended to define a type ofshoe, in particular, which satisfies at least one criterion of thecriteria mentioned in EN ISO 20345. Therefore, the passive protectiveunit includes at least one safety toecap element and/or at least oneanti-penetration element. In this case, the safety toecap element can bemade from steel or from a plastic.

Preferably, the safety toecap element has, in particular, a protectiveeffect against an impact energy of at least 200 J and a protectiveeffect against a pressure load of at least 15 kN. The anti-penetrationelement can be made from steel or from a woven fabric structure, suchas, for example, a Kevlar structure. Preferably, the anti-penetrationelement is designed as a layer, in particular as an intermediate layer,of a sole of the work shoe. Preferably, the sole of the work shoe isdesigned to be oil- and/or fuel-resistant, electrically insulating,and/or heat-resistant. The work shoe can also have furthercharacteristics which appear reasonable to a person skilled in the artand which are mentioned in EN ISO 20345 in respect of a safety shoe.Particularly preferably, the passive protective unit is designed to befree from a power supply. Therefore, the passive safety unit ispreferably provided for protecting a shoe wearer of the work shoe via amaterial property or a geometric characteristic of protective elementsof the passive safety unit. “Provided” is intended to be understood tomean, in particular, specially designed and/or specially equipped. Thewording that an element and/or a unit is provided for a certain functionis intended to be understood to mean, in particular, that the elementand/or the unit satisfy/satisfies and/or carry out/carries out thiscertain function in at least one application state and/or operatingstate.

By means of the embodiment of the work shoe according to the invention,dangerous situations can be advantageously detected and a shoe wearer ofthe work shoe can be advantageously protected against dangers. Inaddition, a high level of wearing comfort can be advantageously achievedby way of at least one comfort function being monitored and/or adaptedon the basis of sensor data. Therefore, a work shoe can be particularlyadvantageously provided, which can provide a high level of wearingsafety and/or wearing comfort.

In addition, it is provided that the sensor unit includes at least oneacceleration sensor element which is provided for detecting at least oneacceleration characteristic variable which can be utilized at least forevaluating a safe state of a shoe wearer. In this case, the accelerationsensor element can be designed as a multidirectional acceleration sensorelement, in particular as a three-directional acceleration sensorelement, as a rotation rate sensor element, as a piezoelectricacceleration sensor element, as an acceleration sensor element made froma microelectromechanical system (MEMS), or as another accelerationsensor element which appears reasonable to a person skilled in the art.By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a person-relatedcharacteristic variable can be advantageously and cost-effectivelyascertained, which variable preferably allows for conclusions to bedrawn regarding a safe state of a shoe wearer. In this way, anacceleration characteristic variable induced by a muscular twitching ofa shoe wearer, such as, for example, due to an exertion of a muscle whenstanding on the tips of the toes or the like, can be detected, whichvariable can be utilized for evaluating a safe state of a shoe wearer.In the case of an exertion of a muscle, a muscular twitching, forexample, in a frequency range from 2 to 12 Hz or higher is possible,which can be advantageously utilized for evaluating a safe state of ashoe wearer. Preferably, the acceleration sensor element isadvantageously situated, for this purpose, on an inner region of thework shoe facing a shoe wearer. In addition, an accelerationcharacteristic variable detected by means of the acceleration sensorelement can be advantageously utilized for evaluating a presence of afree fall of a shoe wearer, for example, from a ladder, or forevaluating a slipping of a shoe wearer on a slippery underlying surface.Furthermore, an acceleration characteristic variable detected by meansof the acceleration sensor element can be advantageously utilized fordetecting whether a shoe wearer is in a dangerous situation, inparticular when the acceleration sensor element detects no movement anda shoe wearer does not change position for a certain period of time, inparticular being in an at least essentially horizontal position relativeto an underlying surface.

Advantageously, the sensor unit includes at least one temperature sensorelement which is provided for detecting at least one temperaturecharacteristic variable, in particular a body temperature of a shoewearer, an underlying-surface temperature and/or an ambient temperature.Preferably, the sensor unit therefore includes at least one temperaturesensor element which is designed as a body temperature sensor elementand which is provided for detecting a body temperature of a shoe wearerof the work shoe. In this case, the temperature sensor element designedas a body temperature sensor element is preferably situated on an innerregion of the work shoe. Furthermore, the sensor unit preferablyincludes at least one temperature sensor element which is designed as anunderlying-surface temperature sensor element and which is provided fordetecting an underlying-surface temperature of an underlying surface onwhich the work shoe is situated and/or moved. In this case, thetemperature sensor element designed as an underlying-surface temperaturesensor element is preferably situated on the sole, in particular in theregion of an underlying-surface contact area of the sole. In addition,the sensor unit therefore preferably includes at least one temperaturesensor element which is designed as an ambient temperature sensorelement and which is provided for detecting an ambient temperature, inparticular an ambient air temperature. In this case, the temperaturesensor element designed as an ambient temperature sensor element ispreferably situated on an outer region of the work shoe. In this case,the temperature sensor element can be integrated directly into an uppermaterial of the work shoe, in particular directly in a material of theupper material, such as, for example, directly in fibers of an uppermaterial. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, atemperature characteristic variable can therefore be advantageouslydetected, which be utilized for an evaluation in respect of a physicalstate of a shoe wearer of the work shoe, in respect of a comfortfunction activation, such as, for example, an activation of heating orcooling, and/or in respect of a state of an underlying surface, such as,for example, a risk of ice formation. In this case, it is conceivablethat the protective element, which is designed as an anti-penetrationelement, is designed as a heat conducting element on which, for example,a heating element and/or a cooling element of the work shoe is situated,and the protective element designed as an anti-penetration elementprovides for good thermal conduction due to a design made from ametallic material. It is also conceivable that, in one embodiment of theprotective element designed as an anti-penetration element made from aconductive plastic, the protective element designed as ananti-penetration element itself can be designed as a heating element,for example, by an application of a voltage. By means of the embodimentaccording to the invention, highly diverse temperatures can beadvantageously detected in order to provide for high wearer safety.

Furthermore, it is provided that the sensor unit includes at least onepressure sensor element which is provided for detecting at least onepressure characteristic variable, in particular a sole-pressurecharacteristic variable acting onto a sole by a shoe wearer of the workshoe. In this case, it is conceivable that the sensor unit includes onlyone single pressure sensor element which is disposed on the sole of thework shoe, or the sensor unit comprises a plurality of pressure sensorelements which are disposed so as to be distributed on the sole and forma single pressure sensor region or multiple pressure sensor regions.Particularly preferably, the sensor unit comprises a plurality ofpressure sensor elements which are situated on the sole in a type ofgrid. In this case, it is conceivable that the pressure sensor elementor the pressure sensor elements is/are disposed on a side of theanti-penetration element facing away from an underlying-surface contactarea of the sole. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the pressuresensor element or the pressure sensor elements is/are disposed betweentwo anti-penetration elements of the passive protective element. Inaddition, it is conceivable that the pressure sensor elements situatedin a type of grid are disposed in a support element, such as, forexample, a woven fabric of the active protective unit and can beinserted, as a pressure sensor element unit, into the work shoe, inparticular in a footbed region of the work shoe. It is thereforeconceivable that the pressure sensor element unit forms a shoe insert.By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a pressure loadof a shoe wearer on the work shoe can be advantageously preciselydetected. In particular as a result of a distribution of a plurality ofpressure sensor elements, a precise detection of a point which is actedupon can be advantageously achieved and can be utilized for evaluating aprotective function of the detected pressure characteristic variable.

In addition, it is provided that the work shoe includes at least oneevaluation unit which is at least provided for evaluating the detectedacceleration characteristic variable in order to detect a safe state ofa shoe wearer and/or for evaluating the detected pressure characteristicvariable in order to detect a sole load distribution. In this case, a“sole load distribution” is intended to be understood to mean, inparticular, a distribution of a force, in particular a compressiveforce, acting on the work shoe, in particular on the sole, by a shoewearer of the work shoe. In this case, it is conceivable that theevaluation unit is provided for evaluating characteristic variables froma pair of work shoes or from a single work shoe, wherein, for example,communication can take place between evaluation units of the individualwork shoes of a pair of work shoes. By means of the embodiment accordingto the invention, an evaluation in respect of a standing safety of ashoe wearer of the work shoe can be advantageously achieved.Advantageously, an evaluation can be achieved, by means of which it ispossible to deduce, for example, that a shoe wearer is kneeling, or isstanding on a ladder, that the sole is resting via the entire surfacethereof against an underlying surface, that the shoe wearer is standingon the tips of his toes, etc.

In addition, it is provided that the sensor unit comprises at least onelocation-determining sensor element which is provided for detecting atleast one position characteristic variable, in particular at least oneglobal position characteristic variable and/or at least one relativework-area position characteristic variable. For this purpose, the sensorunit preferably includes at least one sensor element which is designedas a GPS sensor element and by means of which a global position of thework shoe can be detected. It is also conceivable, however, that thesensor unit comprises another sensor element which appears reasonable toa person skilled in the art for detecting a position characteristicvariable in the form of a global position, such as, for example, acompass position-determining sensor element, a Galileoposition-determining sensor element, a GLONASS position-determiningsensor element, a Beidou position-determining sensor element, or thelike. In addition, the sensor unit preferably comprises at least onesensor element designed as a work-area position-determining sensorelement which is provided for enabling a relative position detection ofthe work shoe within a work area, for example, by means of a travel-timemeasurement via a WLAN network or a mobile network. Therefore, adetection of a position of the work shoe can be advantageously achieved,which allows for a reliable determination of the location of the workshoe and, therefore, of a shoe wearer of the work shoe, in the case ofan emergency, for example. In this case, it is conceivable that adetection of at least one position characteristic variable takes placeonly if a dangerous situation is detected. Therefore, it is conceivablethat a detection of at least one position characteristic variable isdeactivated during a non-presence of a dangerous situation is detected.

It is further provided that the work shoe includes at least onecommunication unit which is provided for communicating with at least oneexternal unit in order to exchange electronic data. The communicationunit is preferably designed as a wireless communication unit. In thiscase, the communication unit can be designed as a WLAN communicationunit, a Bluetooth communication unit, a radio communication unit, anRFID communication unit, an NFC communication unit, an infraredcommunication unit, a mobile network communication unit, as a Zigbeecommunication unit, or the like. Particularly preferably, thecommunication unit is provided for bidirectional data transmission. Inone alternative embodiment, the communication unit is designed as acable-bound communication unit, such as, for example, a LANcommunication unit, a USB communication unit, a power-line communicationunit, a CAN bus communication unit, an Ethernet communication unit, atwisted pair cable communication unit (CAT5 or CAT6), or the like. It isalso conceivable, however, that the communication unit is provided as analternative to a wireless or a cable-bound communication for wireless orcable-bound communication with an external unit. The external unit canbe designed as a smartphone, a personal computer, a laptop, a netbook, atablet, a corporate mainframe computer, a portable machine tool, anoutput unit, such as, for example, a loudspeaker, work clothing, safetyglasses, a safety helmut, or as another external unit which appearsreasonable to a person skilled in the art. In an embodiment as asmartphone, a personal computer, a laptop, a netbook, or a tablet,preferably an app is provided for communication with the communicationunit. It is also conceivable, however, that the external unit isdesigned as an external, transportable control unit, as a fixedlyinstalled control unit at a workstation of an operator, as asynchronization unit of a usage location, which unit is fixedlyinstalled in a room and can be controlled from a central office inrespect of, for example, company requirements/safety regulations, as abody-characteristic variable monitoring unit, or as a furthercentralized or decentralized control unit, input station and/orcentralized or decentralized terminal which appears reasonable to aperson skilled in the art. Advantageously, a synchronization ofelectronic data can therefore be made possible. If a presence of a shoewearer of the work shoe, in particular a wearing of the work shoe isdetected, for example, by means of a sensor element of the sensor unit,a connection between the communication unit and the external unit is atleast partially automatically established. Settings stored in theexternal unit are therefore preferably directly transferrable to thework shoe and/or from the work shoe to the external unit. These can beindividualized settings of a shoe wearer or they can be companyrequirements. In addition, for example, a noise impact of a shoe wearerfor the purpose of monitoring compliance with a load limit and/or apossible payment of additional pay to a head office, or the like, can betransmitted by means of the communication unit. By means of theembodiment according to the invention, a comfortable, in particularcentralized setting of characteristic variables can advantageously takeplace. In addition, one-man monitoring can be advantageously enabled, sothat a head office, advantageously, can remain informed about a state ofa shoe wearer of the work shoe and, in particular, about any dangeroussituations which may arise. Therefore, a high level of safety for a shoewearer of the work shoe can be advantageously ensured.

In addition, it is provided that the work shoe includes at least onecontrol and/or regulating unit which is provided for adapting at leastone work shoe parameter, in particular a work shoe comfort parameterand/or a work shoe safety parameter, depending on the at least onedetected, person-related characteristic variable and/or on the at leastone detected environmental characteristic variable. In this case, it isconceivable that the sensor unit includes at least one sensor elementwhich is provided for detecting a closure-force characteristic variableof the work shoe. In addition, the active protective unit could includeat least one actuator element which is provided for adapting theclosure-force characteristic variable—as a result of a data transmissionbetween the control and/or regulating unit and the actuatorelement—depending on the at least one detected, person-relatedcharacteristic variable and/or on the at least one detectedenvironmental characteristic variable. Furthermore, it is alsoconceivable that the sensor unit includes at least oneunderlying-surface condition sensor element which is provided fordetecting an underlying-surface condition. In addition, the activesensor unit could include at least one actuator element which isprovided for adapting a sole property, such as, for example, soft, hard,with studs, without studs, etc., of the sole of the work shoe—as aresult of a data transmission between the control and/or regulating unitand the actuator element—depending on the at least one detected,person-related characteristic variable and/or on the at least onedetected environmental characteristic variable. It is also conceivablethat the control and/or regulation adapts an active cooling or an activeheating of the work shoe depending on the at least one detected,person-related characteristic variable and/or the at least one detectedenvironmental characteristic variable. Further adaptations of work shoecomfort parameters and/or work shoe safety parameters which appearreasonable to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. By meansof the embodiment according to the invention, a high level of safety anda high level of comfort of a shoe wearer of the work shoe can beadvantageously achieved.

In addition, it is provided that the control and/or regulating unit isprovided for accessing—by means of the communication unit—a centraldatabase, in which at least one safety and/or operating-area rule are/isstored, which can be utilized at least for adapting at least one workshoe parameter, in particular a work shoe comfort parameter and/or awork shoe safety parameter, and/or for outputting safety information bymeans of an output unit. Preferably, the control and/or regulating unitautomatically evaluates the safety and/or operating-area rules stored inthe central database and automatically interprets the safety and/oroperating-area rules in order to adapt the at least one work shoeparameter. In this case, it is feasible that the work shoe additionallycomprises a control unit, by means of which an adaptation of a work shoeparameter can be manually adjusted by a shoe wearer of the work shoe inorder to enable, for example, an individualized setting of the safetyand/or operating-area rules. Particularly preferably, in addition toaccessing the central data base by means of the communication unit, itis also possible to exchange electronic data with at least one externalunit by means of the communication unit. Therefore, a data exchange canpreferably take place between the work shoe and further external units,such as, for example, a data exchange between the work shoe and a sensorunit of a piece of work clothing, such as, for example, a safety helmut,a glove, a safety jacket, a pair of safety pants, etc., a smartphone, alaptop, a PC, a cellular phone, a tablet, a server, or the like. In thiscase, the characteristic variables, in particular the characteristicvariables detected by means of the sensor unit of the active protectivedevice and/or the data transmitted by means of the communication unitare preferably exchangeable and/or can be used for adapting the at leastone work shoe parameter. Preferably, an external unit, in particular asmartphone, is designed as a router which is provided as the switchingcenter at least between the communication unit and the central databaseand/or a further unit. In this case, it is advantageous to use anindividually matched smartphone. In addition, a check can be carried outby means of the control and/or regulating unit, via the communicationunit and due to a connection to a network, such as, for example, acompany network, an Internet network, or the like, to determine whethersafety settings and/or current climate data (weather) are stored for aposition characteristic variable in the form of a global position. Bymeans of the embodiment according to the invention, an at leastpartially automatic accounting for safety and/or operating-area rulescan be advantageously utilized in order to adapt the at least one workshoe parameter. Therefore, a high level of wearing comfort and areliable retention of safety functions can be advantageously ensured.

Furthermore, it is provided that the sensor unit is at least partiallysituated in or on a passive protective element of the passive protectiveunit. Preferably, at least one sensor element of the sensor unit issituated at least partially in the safety toecap element. Therefore, atleast one passive protective element of the passive protective unit, inor on which the sensor unit is situated, is preferably designed as thesafety toecap element. Furthermore, at least one sensor element of thesensor unit is situated at least partially in the anti-penetrationelement. Therefore, at least one passive protective element of thepassive protective unit, in or on which the sensor unit is situated, ispreferably designed as the anti-penetration element. A high level ofprotection of the sensor unit against damage, in particular againstdamage to sensor elements of the sensor unit, can be advantageouslyachieved.

In addition, it is provided that the work shoe includes at least onepower supply unit and/or one energy accumulator unit which are/isprovided at least in order to supply power to the active protectiveunit. Preferably, the energy accumulator unit is designed as arechargeable battery unit. The rechargeable battery unit is preferablyrechargeable by means of at least one charging interface of the workshoe. In this case, the charging interface can be designed as aninductive charging interface. It is also feasible, however, that thecharging interface is designed as a cable-bound charging interface. Thepower supply unit is preferably designed as a converting power supplyunit which is provided for converting mechanical energy into electricalenergy. In this case, the power supply unit is preferably designed as apiezo energy supply unit. Therefore, the energy accumulator unit ispreferably connected to the power supply unit by means of the charginginterface. By means of the embodiment according to the invention,autonomously operable safety functions of the work shoe can beadvantageously achieved.

In addition, it is provided that the work shoe includes at least oneoutput unit for outputting information at least depending on the atleast one detected person-related characteristic variable and/or on theat least one detected environmental characteristic variable and/ordepending on information transmitted by means of a communication unit.The output unit in this case can be designed as a haptic, acousticand/or optical output unit. Preferably, the output unit includes atleast one output element which is situated on the work shoe and isprovided for outputting a piece of information. The output unit can becontrolled and/or regulated preferably by means of the control and/orregulating unit. By means of the embodiment according to the invention,a piece of information can be advantageously displayed to a shoe wearerof the work shoe. Therefore, a shoe wearer of the work shoe can bewarned, advantageously, about a dangerous situation. In addition, otherpersons who are situated in the surroundings of the shoe wearer of thework shoe can be likewise advantageously warned about a dangeroussituation.

Furthermore, it is provided that the work shoe includes at least onelighting unit for illuminating a work area. Particularly preferably, thelighting unit is situated in a toe region of the work shoe in order toilluminate a work area located in front of the work shoe. It is alsoconceivable, however, that the lighting unit is situated, alternativelyor additionally, in an ankle region of the work shoe in order toilluminate a work area located in front of, next to, and/or behind thework shoe. Particularly preferably, the lighting unit is designed as anLED lighting unit. It is also conceivable, however, that the lightingunit is embodied in another way which appears reasonable to a personskilled in the art, such as, for example, being embodied as a noble gaslighting unit, a laser light lighting unit, or the like. By means of theembodiment according to the invention, a high level of safety of a shoewearer can be advantageously achieved. Advantageously, working safely indark or poorly lit work areas can be made possible. Therefore, goodvisibility of a work area can be advantageously achieved.

In addition, it is provided that the work shoe includes at least oneprojection unit which is provided for projecting at least one piece ofinformation onto an underlying surface. Particularly preferably, theprojection unit is situated in a toe region of the work shoe in order toproject a piece of information onto an underlying surface in front ofthe work shoe. It is also conceivable, however, that the projection unitis situated, alternatively or additionally, in an ankle region of thework shoe in order to project a piece of information onto an underlyingsurface in front of, next to, and/or behind the work shoe. By means ofthe embodiment according to the invention, a reliable legibility ofinformation can be advantageously made possible. In addition, a largearea can be used for displaying information.

In addition, a safety system comprising at least one work shoe accordingto the invention and comprising at least one external unit is provided,with which the work shoe communicates at least by means of at least onecommunication unit of the work shoe in order to exchange electronicdata. Therefore, a high level of safety can be advantageously ensured.

Furthermore, it is provided that the at least one external unit isdesigned as a portable machine tool. In this case, a “portable machinetool” is intended to be understood to mean, in particular, a machinetool for machining workpieces which can be transported by an operatorwithout the aid of a transport machine. The portable machine tool has amass, in particular, which is less than 40 kg, preferably less than 10kg, and particularly preferably less than 5 kg. In this case, safetyfunctions of the portable machine tool and/or safety functions ofmachine tool, which can be situated on the portable machine tool, can becontrolled and/or regulated preferably on the basis of the at least oneperson-related characteristic variable and/or on the basis of the atleast one characteristic variable, preferably by means of the controland/or regulating unit of the work shoe or by means of a control and/orregulating unit of the portable machine tool. In this case, safetyparameters, such as, for example, a kickback parameter, a maximumtorque, a maximum rotational speed, impact energy, a position of aprotective cover, and/or a release torque of an overload clutch can beset, for example, by means of the control and/or regulating unit of thework shoe or the control and/or regulating unit of the portable machinetool. The safety parameters in this case are preferably dependent upon atype of machine tool. Therefore, a comfortable setting of safetyfunctions can be advantageously made possible. In addition, a high levelof safety of a shoe wearer during an operation of a portable machinetool can be advantageously achieved.

The work shoe according to the invention and/or the safety systemaccording to the invention should not be limited, in this case, to theabove-described application and embodiment. In particular, the work shoeaccording to the invention and/or the safety system according to theinvention can have a number of individual elements, components, andunits which deviates from a number mentioned herein, in order to operatein a manner described herein. In addition, in respect of the valueranges indicated in this disclosure, values lying with the stated limitsshould also be considered to be disclosed and to be usable in anymanner.

DRAWING

Further advantages result from the following description of the drawing.The drawing shows a representation of one exemplary embodiment of theinvention. The drawing, the description, and the claims contain numerousfeatures in combination. A person skilled in the art will advantageouslyalso consider the features individually and group them into furtherreasonable combinations.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a safety system according tothe invention comprising at least one work shoe and at least oneexternal unit,

FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of a schematic representation of the workshoe according to the invention, and

FIG. 3 shows a partial sectional view of a schematic representation ofthe work shoe according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a safety system 50 comprising at least one work shoe 10 andat least one external unit 32, with which the work shoe 10 communicatesat least by means of at least one communication unit 30 of the work shoe10 in order to exchange electronic data. In all, the safety system 50comprises at least two work shoes 10 which, together, form a pair (onlyone work shoe 10 is represented in FIG. 1). It is also conceivable,however, that only one work shoe 10 of a work shoe pair is designed forincluding a communication unit 30 and/or further units in order todetect characteristic variables and/or for exchanging electronic datawith the external unit 32. The external unit 32 is designed as aportable machine tool. It is also conceivable, however, that theexternal unit 32 has another embodiment which appears reasonable to aperson skilled in the art.

The external unit 32 designed as a portable machine tool is designed asan angle grinder, by way of example, in FIG. 1. It is also conceivable,however, that the external unit 32 designed as a portable machine toolis designed as another machine tool which appears reasonable to a personskilled in the art, such as, for example, a circular saw, a drillingmachine, an impact drill, a rotary hammer and/or a chisel hammer, or thelike. For the purpose of communicating with the communication unit 30 ofthe work shoe 10, the external unit 32 includes at least onecounter-communication unit 52 which is designed to correspond to thecommunication unit 30 of the work shoe 10 at least in respect of a datatransmission method. Furthermore, the external unit 32 can comprise atleast one sensor unit which is provided for detecting at least onecharacteristic variable, wherein the detected characteristic variablecan be transmitted to the work shoe 10, by means of an interaction ofthe counter-communication unit 52 and the communication unit 30, forfurther processing and/or storage.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of the work shoe 10. The work shoe 10 isdesigned as a safety shoe in this case. The work shoe 10 thereforeincludes at least one passive protective unit 12 which is provided forpassively protecting a shoe wearer (not shown here in greater detail) atleast against mechanical and/or electrical loads. In this case, thepassive protective unit 12 includes at least one protective element 36designed as a safety toecap element. The protective element 36 designedas a safety toecap element is situated in a toe region of the work shoe10 in a manner which is already known to a person skilled in the art. Inthis case, the protective element 36 designed as a safety toecap elementis preferably made from a metallic material. It is also conceivable,however, that the protective element 36 designed as a safety toecapelement is made from a plastic. Furthermore, the passive protective unit12 includes at least one protective element 38 designed as ananti-penetration element. The protective element 38 designed as ananti-penetration element is situated in or on a sole 54 of the work shoe10 in a manner which is already known to a person skilled in the art. Inthis case, the protective element 38 designed as an anti-penetrationelement is preferably made from a metallic material. It is alsoconceivable, however, that the protective element 38 designed as ananti-penetration element is made from a plastic or from a woven fabricstructure, such as, for example, from a Kevlar structure.

Furthermore, the work shoe 10 includes at least one active protectiveunit 14 which comprises at least one sensor unit 16 which is providedfor detecting at least one characteristic variable at least for enablinga safety function and/or a comfort function. The sensor unit 16 isprovided at least for detecting at least one person-relatedcharacteristic variable and/or at least one environmental characteristicvariable. In this case, the sensor unit 16 includes at least onetemperature sensor element 18 which is provided for detecting at leastone temperature characteristic variable. The temperature sensor element18 is designed as a body temperature sensor element which is providedfor detecting a body temperature of a shoe wearer. For this purpose, thetemperature sensor element 18 is situated on an inner region of the workshoe 10, in particular on an inner region which faces a shoe wearer andrests directly against a shoe wearer when the work shoe 10 is worn. Inthis case, the temperature sensor element 18, which is designed as abody temperature sensor element, can be designed as a contact sensorelement which detects a temperature characteristic variable as a resultof a direct contact, or the temperature sensor element 18, which isdesigned as a body temperature sensor element, can be designed as acontactless sensor element which detects a temperature characteristicvariable by means of electromagnetic waves, such as, for example,infrared waves.

In addition, the sensor unit 16 comprises at least one furthertemperature sensor element 20 which is provided for detecting at leastone further temperature characteristic variable. In this case, thefurther temperature sensor element 20 is designed as anunderlying-surface temperature sensor element which is provided fordetecting an underlying-surface temperature of an underlying surface(not shown here in greater detail), on which the work shoe 10 issituated. For this purpose, the further temperature sensor element 20 issituated on the sole 54 of the work shoe 10. The further temperaturesensor element 20 can be designed as a contact sensor element or as acontactless sensor element. In this case, the further temperature sensorelement 20 can be situated on a sole surface 56 of the sole 54 facing anunderlying surface, or the further temperature sensor element 20 can besituated on a lateral surface 58 of the sole 54 extending transverselyto the sole surface 56, wherein the further temperature sensor element20 has a detection angle which is oriented in the direction of anunderlying surface.

In addition, the sensor unit 16 includes at least one additionaltemperature sensor element 22 which is provided for detecting at leastone additional temperature characteristic variable. In this case, theadditional temperature sensor element 22 is designed as an ambienttemperature sensor element which is provided for detecting an ambienttemperature, in particular an ambient air temperature, of surroundingsof the work shoe 10. For this purpose, the additional temperature sensorelement 22 is situated on an outer side of the work shoe 10. In thiscase, the additional temperature sensor element 22 can be integrateddirectly into a material of an upper material of the work shoe 10.

In addition, the sensor unit 16 includes at least one electronic sensorelement 66 which is provided for detecting at least one electricalcharacteristic variable. The electronic sensor element 66 is designed asa capacitive sensor element. In this case, the electronic sensor element66 is provided for detecting an electrical characteristic variable inthe form of resistance. For this purpose, the electronic sensor element66 is situated on the sole 54 of the work shoe 10. The electronic sensorelement 66 is therefore provided for detecting a conductivity of anunderlying surface. It is also conceivable, however, that the electronicsensor element 66 has another embodiment which appears reasonable to aperson skilled in the art or that the electronic sensor element 66 issituated at another position on the work shoe 10 which appearsreasonable to a person skilled in the art. In addition, it is feasiblethat the sensor unit 16 comprises a number of electronic sensor elements66 which deviates from a single electronic sensor element 66.Furthermore, the sensor unit 16 includes at least one further electronicsensor element 70 which is provided for detecting at least one furtherelectrical characteristic variable. In this case, the electronic sensorelement 70 is provided for detecting an electrical characteristicvariable in the form of voltage.

The sensor unit 16 also includes at least one gas sensor element 68which is provided for detecting at least one ambient gas characteristicvariable. The gas sensor element 68 is situated on the outer side of thework shoe 10. Therefore, a gas composition of an ambient air can beadvantageously evaluated as a result of a detection of at least oneambient gas characteristic variable. Therefore, a shoe wearer can bewarned, advantageously, against a hazardous gas composition of anambient air, such as, for example, a gas composition of the ambient airhaving a high portion of carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide, or a gascomposition can be output, in particular by means of an output unit 44of the work shoe 10.

The sensor unit 16 further includes at least one pressure sensor element24 which is provided for detecting at least one pressure characteristicvariable, in particular a sole-pressure characteristic variable actingonto the sole 54 of the work shoe 10 by a shoe wearer. Preferably, thesensor unit 16 includes a plurality of pressure sensor elements 24 whichare situated on the sole 54 of the work shoe 10. The pressure sensorelements 24 are situated so as to be distributed in areas on the sole 54of the work shoe 10. In this case, some of the pressure sensor elements24 are situated in an anterior foot region of the sole 54 of the workshoe 10. Some of the pressure sensor elements 24 are situated in acentral foot region of the sole 54 of the work shoe 10. In this case,some of the pressure sensor elements 24 are situated in a heel region ofthe sole 54 of the work shoe 10. Preferably, pressure sensor elements 24situated in the anterior foot region, in the central foot region, and inthe heel region of the sole 54 of the work shoe 10 can be evaluatedindependently of each other. It is also conceivable, however, that thepressure sensor elements 24 are situated so as to be evenly distributedover an entire region of the sole 54 of the work shoe 10. In this case,it is feasible that the pressure sensor elements 24 are situated on thesole 54 of the work shoe 10 on a side of the protective element 38 ofthe passive protective unit 12 designed as an anti-penetration element,which side faces away from the sole surface 56, or that the pressuresensor elements 24 are integrated into the sole 54 of the work shoe 10.Furthermore, it is feasible that the pressure sensor elements 24 form ashoe insert which can be removed from the work shoe 10, which pressuresensor elements can be connected to the work shoe 10 by means of awireless or a cable-bound connection.

The work shoe 10 also includes at least one evaluation unit 26 which isprovided, at least, for evaluating the detected pressure characteristicvariable in order to detect a sole-load distribution. In this case, theevaluation unit 26 is provided, in particular, for evaluating allcharacteristic variables, by means of the sensor unit 16, for thepurpose of further processing. In addition, the evaluation unit 26 isprovided for evaluating pressure characteristic variables of both workshoes 10 of the work shoe pair or for evaluating only the pressurecharacteristic variable of a single work shoe 10 of the work shoe pair.In this case, it is possible to deduce that a shoe wearer is kneeling oris standing on a ladder, that the sole 54 is resting via the entiresurface thereof against an underlying surface, that the shoe wearer isstanding on the tips of his toes, etc., on the basis of an evaluation ofthe detected pressure characteristic variable, in particular asole-pressure characteristic variable acting onto the sole 54 of thework shoe 10 by a shoe wearer. It is therefore possible to deduce anorientation of the work shoe 10 and/or a load type of the work shoe 10on the basis of a physical stance of a shoe wearer, advantageously bymeans of an evaluation of the detected pressure characteristic variable,in particular a sole-pressure characteristic variable acting onto thesole 54 of the work shoe 10 by a shoe wearer.

Furthermore, the sensor unit 16 includes at least one further pressuresensor element 60 which is provided for detecting a pressurecharacteristic variable in the form of an ambient-pressurecharacteristic variable. Therefore, a height at which the work shoe 10is located can be advantageously deduced, for example, by means of theevaluation unit 26. In this case, the further pressure sensor element 60is situated on the outer side of the work shoe 10. The sensor unit 16can also include further pressure sensor elements 24 which appearreasonable to a person skilled in the art and which are provided fordetecting at least one pressure characteristic variable.

Furthermore, the sensor unit 16 includes at least onelocation-determining sensor element 28 which is provided for detectingat least one position characteristic variable, in particular at leastone global position characteristic variable and/or at least one relativework-area position characteristic variable. For this purpose, the sensorunit 16 includes at least one location-determining sensor element 28which is designed as a global location-determining sensor element and isprovided for detecting a global position characteristic variable. Thelocation-determining sensor element 28 designed as a globallocation-determining sensor element is preferably designed as a GPSlocation-determining element. In addition, the sensor unit 16 includesat least one work area location-determining sensor element 64 which isprovided for detecting at least one relative work-area positioncharacteristic variable. The work area location-determining sensorelement 64 is preferably provided for detecting at least oneorientation, such as, for example, a horizontal or a verticalorientation, of the work shoe 10. The work area location-determiningsensor element 64 is therefore designed at least as a position sensorelement, such as, for example, a multidirectional acceleration sensorelement, a gyro sensor element, a rotation rate sensor element, etc.However, it is also conceivable that, in addition or alternatively to adetection of a work area position characteristic variable, the sensorunit 16 detects at least one relative work area position characteristicvariable via a transit time measurement of signals from thecommunication unit 30 by means of the work area location-determiningsensor element 64. The spatial position in which a shoe wearer issituated can therefore be detected, for example, as a result of anevaluation of the position characteristic variable by means of theevaluation unit 26. As a result, it can be advantageously deducedwhether a shoe wearer is in a dangerous situation, in particular if anacceleration sensor element 74 of the sensor unit 16 does not detectmovement and a shoe wearer does not change position over a certainperiod of time. Furthermore, an acceleration characteristic variable inthe form of muscular twitching, for example, can be detected by means ofthe acceleration sensor element 74, which variable can be utilized inorder to detect a dangerous situation of a shoe wearer, such as, forexample, a detection of a dizzy spell, a detection of a safe state, suchas, for example, a safe state on a ladder, on the tips of toes, etc., orthe like. The sensor unit 16 therefore includes at least theacceleration sensor element 74 which is provided for detecting at leastone acceleration characteristic variable which can be utilized at leastin order to evaluate a safe state of a shoe wearer. In this case, thedetected acceleration characteristic variable should be evaluated atleast in order to detect a safe state of a shoe wearer by means of theevaluation unit 26. In addition, the sensor unit 16 can include furthersensor elements which appear reasonable to a person skilled in the art,such as, for example, a moisture sensor element, a pH value sensorelement, a pulse sensor element, a blood pressure sensor element, etc.,which are provided for detecting at least one person-relatedcharacteristic variable and/or at least one environmental characteristicvariable, which can be evaluated by means of the evaluating unit 26.

The sensor unit 16 is preferably at least partially situated in or onone of the passive protective elements 36, 38 of the passive protectiveunit 12. In this case, it is conceivable that at least one sensorelement, such as, for example, the location-determining sensor elementdesigned as a global location-determining sensor element, of the sensorunit 16 is situated in the protective element 36 designed as a safetytoecap element (FIG. 3). The protective element 36 designed as a safetytoecap element can therefore form a housing of the sensor unit 16. It isalso conceivable that further units of the work shoe 10 are situated atleast partially in or at the passive protective unit 12, such as, forexample, a power supply unit 40 of the work shoe 10, an energyaccumulator unit 42 of the work shoe 10, etc. It is also conceivablethat the sensor unit 16, in an alternative embodiment, is situated atleast partially on the protective element 38 designed as ananti-penetration element, wherein, in an embodiment made from a metallicmaterial, the protective element 38 designed as an anti-penetrationelement can be provided as a heat sink for the sensor unit 16.

The work shoe 10 includes at least one communication unit 30 which isprovided for communicating with at least the external unit 32 in orderto exchange electronic data. In this case, it is conceivable that theelectronic data are in the form of raw data from the sensor unit 16 orthat the electronic data are data which have already been evaluated bymeans of the evaluation unit 26. The communication unit 30 is providedfor automatically checking, while the work shoe 10 is being worn,whether a suitable external unit 32 is within communication range. Aftera detection and a connection to a suitable external unit 32, an exchangeof electronic data begins. In the case of the external unit 32represented in FIG. 1, which is designed as a portable machine tool, inparticular as an angle grinder, it is conceivable that work on a ladderis detected on the basis of an evaluation of at least one person-relatedcharacteristic variable detected by means of the sensor unit 16 and/oron the basis of an evaluation of an environmental characteristicvariable by means of the evaluation unit 26, and that a kickback settingof the external unit 32 designed as a portable machine tool is at leastpartially automatically adjustable as the result of communicationbetween the external unit 32 designed as a portable machine tool thework shoe 10. Therefore, a risk of injury to a shoe wearer in the eventof a sudden jamming of a insert tool can be advantageously minimizedand, therefore, a fall from the ladder can be advantageously prevented.

In addition, a free fall of a shoe wearer from a ladder can be detectedby means of the evaluation unit 26, for example, as a result of anevaluation of at least one person-related characteristic variable and/orenvironmental characteristic variable, which are/is detected by means ofthe sensor unit 16. For this purpose, an acceleration characteristicvariable detected by means of the acceleration sensor element 74 of thesensor unit 16 can be evaluated by the evaluation unit 26. By means ofthe communication unit 30, a detection of the free fall can therefore beforwarded to external units 32, wherein, for example, an external unit32 designed as a portable machine tool can be automatically switched offin order to reduce putting a shoe wearer at risk and to avoid possibleinjury. Furthermore, an impact of a shoe wearer after a fall can bedetected by means of the evaluation unit 26, for example, as a result ofan evaluation of at least one person-related characteristic variableand/or environmental characteristic variable, which are/is detected bymeans of the sensor unit 16. Detected pressure characteristic variablesand position characteristic variables of the sensor unit 16 can beevaluated for this purpose. It is therefore advantageously possible todetect whether a shoe wearer is still standing or lying down or if hemay have become injured in the fall. In addition, the information can bemade more precise, e.g., whether unconciousness is present. Vitalcharacteristic variables, such as, for example, a pulse characteristicvariable, of the sensor unit 16 can be evaluated for this purpose. Anaccident and/or danger notification to an external unit designed as acontrol center (not shown here in greater detail) can take place bymeans of the communication unit 30 or can be dispatched to an externalunit as an accident reporting center (not shown here in greater detail).If communication by means of the communication unit 30 has beendeactivated and/or is impossible, the electronic data can be stored in amemory unit (not shown here in greater detail) of the work shoe 10.Therefore, the memory unit can be advantageously utilized as a datarecorder/accident recorder which stores, e.g., the data for a definedunit of time and continuously overwrites said data.

In addition, the work shoe 10 includes at least one control and/orregulating unit 34 which is provided for adapting at least one work shoeparameter, in particular a work shoe comfort parameter and/or a workshoe safety parameter, depending on the at least one detected,person-related characteristic variable and/or on the at least onedetected environmental characteristic variable. In this case, it isconceivable that, for example, a heating function of a heating unit (notshown here in greater detail) or a cooling function of a cooling unit(not shown here in greater detail) of the work shoe 10 can be adapted,by means of the control and/or regulating unit 34, depending on the atleast one detected, person-related characteristic variable and/or on theat least one detected environmental characteristic variable.Furthermore, it is also conceivable that an adaptation of at least onework shoe parameter, in particular a work shoe comfort parameter and/ora work shoe safety parameter takes place by means of the control and/orregulating unit 34 as a result of an exchange of electronic data bymeans of the communication unit 30. As a result, for example, a heatingfunction of a heating unit (not shown here in greater detail) or acooling function of a cooling unit (not shown here in greater detail) ofthe work shoe 10 could be controlled and/or regulated by means ofcommunication with a smartphone.

Furthermore, the control and/or regulating unit 34 is provided foraccessing a central database by means of the communication unit 30, inwhich at least one safety and/or operating-area rule are/is stored,which can be utilized at least for adapting at least one work shoeparameter and/or for outputting safety information by means of theoutput unit 44 of the work shoe 10. Therefore, for example, a shoewearer can be informed by means of the output unit 44 as to which safetyand/or operating-area rules apply and must be complied with in an areain which he is situated.

In addition, the work shoe 10 includes at least the power supply unit 40and/or the energy accumulator unit 42 (FIGS. 2 and 3) for supplyingenergy to the active protective unit 14. In this case, the power supplyunit is designed as a piezo energy supply unit which comprises at leastone piezo element 62. In this case, the piezo element 62 is situated onthe sole 54 of the work shoe 10. In an embodiment of the work shoe 10which is not represented here in greater detail, the protective element38 designed as an anti-penetration element has a two-layer design,wherein the piezo element 62 is situated between two layers of theprotective element 38 designed as an anti-penetration element. In thiscase, the power supply unit 40 preferably includes a plurality of piezoelements 62 which are situated so as to be distributed between the twolayers of the protective element 38 designed as an anti-penetrationelement. Alternatively, however, the power supply unit 40 can also bedesigned as an inductive power supply unit or as a cable power supplyunit. In addition, the power supply unit 40 is connected to the energyaccumulator unit 42 in a manner which is already known to a personskilled in the art, by means of a power supply line (not shown here ingreater detail). The energy accumulator unit 42 is designed as arechargeable battery unit in this case. In this case, the energyaccumulator unit 42 is situated in the sole 54 of the work shoe 10 (FIG.3). In this case, the energy accumulator unit 42 can be situated in thesole 54 of the work shoe 10 so as to be exchangeable. In addition, it isconceivable that the energy accumulator unit 42 is designed as anexternal energy accumulator unit which is connectable to the work shoe10 by means of a power supply line and, for example, can be situated ona belt worn by a shoe wearer. The power supply unit 40 and/or the energyaccumulator unit 42 include at least one back-up unit which is providedfor enabling basic function of the active protective unit 14 in anemergency operating mode, such as, for example, outputting a message bymeans of the output unit 44 in the event of a low energy content of theenergy accumulator unit 42, etc.

The work shoe 10 includes at least the output unit 44 for outputtinginformation at least depending on the at least one detectedperson-related characteristic variable and/or on the at least onedetected environmental characteristic variable and/or depending oninformation transmitted by means of a communication unit 30. Therefore,different temperature characteristic variables can be displayed, forexample, by means of the output unit 44, wherein the output unit 44 inthis case includes at least one output element designed as a displayand/or one output element designed as a lighting element, in particularas an LED. For example, a ground temperature can be displayed in shadesof color, wherein, in particular, blue represents a temperature of lessthan 50° C., green represents a temperature of 20° C., and redrepresents a temperature of more than 40° C. By means of the output unit44, a warning message can therefore be advantageously output in theevent of an imminent danger (voltage on the underlying surface, causticfluid on the underlying surface, the underlying-surface temperature istoo high, risk of glare ice, or the like). In addition, optical feedbackas to whether the communication unit 30 is connected to an external unit32 can be sent to a shoe wearer by means of the output unit 44. A shoewearer can therefore advantageously determine whether a communicationconnection has been reliably established.

In addition, it is conceivable in this case that the type of externalunit to which the communication unit 30 is connected and with which itcommunicates is additionally displayed to a shoe wearer by the outputunit 44.

Furthermore, the work shoe 10 includes at least one lighting unit 46 forilluminating a work area. The lighting unit 46 includes at least onelighting element 72 which is situated on a toe region of the work shoe10 and is provided for illuminating a work area. The lighting element 72is designed as an LED. The lighting unit 46 can have a number oflighting elements 72 which deviates from a single lighting element 72,which are situated on a work shoe 10 and are provided for lighting awork area. In this case, it is conceivable that the lighting unit 46 canbe manually controlled by a shoe wearer or that the lighting unit 46 canbe controlled and/or regulated by means of the control and/or regulatingunit 34, in particular at least depending on at least one lightcharacteristic variable detected by means of a light sensor element (notshown here in greater detail) of the sensor unit 16.

In addition, the work shoe 10 includes at least one projection unit 48which is provided for projecting at least one piece of information ontoan underlying surface. By means of the projection unit 48, personsadvantageously located in the surroundings of a shoe wearer can beadvantageously informed about a danger or can be informed about a stateof a shoe wearer in an emergency situation. The projection unit 48 ispreferably designed as a beamer unit. In this case, the projection unit48 can be designed as a laser beamer unit or as another projection unitwhich appears reasonable to a person skilled in the art.

1. A work shoe comprising: at least one passive protection unitconfigured to protect passively a shoe wearer at least againstmechanical and/or electrical loads, and at least one active protectionunit including at least one sensor unit configured to detect at leastone characteristic variable at least in order to enable a protectivefunction and/or a comfort function, the at least one sensor unit furtherconfigured to detect at least one person-related characteristic variableand/or at least one environmental characteristic variable.
 2. The workshoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor unitincludes at least one acceleration sensor element configured to detectat least one acceleration characteristic variable for utilization atleast for evaluating a safe state of the shoe wearer.
 3. The work shoeas claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor unit includes atleast one temperature sensor element configured to detect at least onetemperature characteristic variable.
 4. The work shoe as claimed inclaim 2, wherein the at least one sensor unit includes at least onepressure sensor element configured to detect at least one pressurecharacteristic variable.
 5. The work shoe as claimed in claim 4, furthercomprising: at least one evaluation unit configured to evaluate thedetected acceleration characteristic variable in order to detect a safestate of the shoe wearer and/or to evaluate the detected pressurecharacteristic variable in order to detect a sole load distribution. 6.The work shoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensorunit comprises at least one location-determining sensor elementconfigured to detect at least one position characteristic variable. 7.The work shoe as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: at least onecommunication unit configured to communicate with at least one externalunit to exchange electronic data.
 8. The work shoe as claimed in claim7, further comprising: at least one control and/or regulating unitconfigured to adapt at least one work shoe parameter depending on the atleast one detected, person-related characteristic variable and/or on theat least one detected environmental characteristic variable.
 9. The workshoe as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control and/or regulating unitis further configured to access a central database with thecommunication unit, in which at least one safety and/or operating-arearule are/is stored, for utilization at least for adapting at least onework shoe parameter and/or for outputting safety information with theoutput unit.
 10. The work shoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the atleast one sensor unit is situated at least partially in or on a passiveprotective element of the passive protective unit.
 11. The work shoe asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising: at least one power supply unitand/or one energy accumulator unit configured at least to supply powerto the active protective unit.
 12. The work shoe as claimed in claim 7,further comprising: at least one output unit configured to outputinformation at least depending on the at least one detectedperson-related characteristic variable and/or on the at least onedetected environmental characteristic variable and/or depending oninformation transmitted by the at least one communication unit.
 13. Thework shoe as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: at least onelighting unit configured to illuminate a work area.
 14. The work shoe asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising: at least one projection unitconfigured to project at least one piece of information onto anunderlying surface.
 15. A safety system comprising: at least one workshoe including (i) at least one passive protection unit configured toprotect passively a shoe wearer at least against mechanical and/orelectrical loads, (ii) at least one active protection unit including atleast one sensor unit configured to detect at least one characteristicvariable at least in order to enable a protective function and/or acomfort function, the at least one sensor unit further configured todetect at least one person-related characteristic variable and/or atleast one environmental characteristic variable, and (iii) at least onecommunication unit; and at least one external unit with which the atleast one work shoe is configured to communicate using the at least onecommunication unit in order to exchange electronic data.
 16. The safetysystem as claimed in claim 15, wherein the at least one external unit isconfigured as a portable machine tool.
 17. The work shoe as claimed inclaim 3, wherein the at least one temperature characteristic variableincludes a body temperature, an underlying-surface temperature, and/oran ambient temperature.
 18. The work shoe as claimed in claim 4, whereinthe at least one pressure characteristic variable includes asole-pressure characteristic variable acting onto a sole of the workshoe by the shoe wearer.
 19. The work shoe as claimed in claim 6,wherein the at least one position characteristic variable includes atleast one global position characteristic variable and/or at least onerelative work-area position characteristic variable.
 20. The work shoeas claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one work shoe parameterincludes a work shoe comfort parameter and/or a work shoe safetyparameter.